Man in electric wheelchair arrested for DUI
PALM BAY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - In his arrest report, police say Ronny Hicks appeared highly intoxicated, because his speech was slurred speech and he was acting confused. Since he was also operating a motorized wheelchair, the 54-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence. Police say Hicks, from Palm Bay, was allegedly blocking the path on a pedestrian bridge inside a park near Margaret and Helen streets in Palm Bay. Police were called because of complaints.
During his first appearance before a judge, the judge approved the maximum $5000 bond, because it was allegedly Hicks third DUI in ten years. But DUI attorney Jason Hicks, no relation, says although the arrest is within the letter of the law, it would be tough to get a conviction for DUI in a wheelchair if it goes before a jury.